Monthly Archives: May 2014

ANC set to announce premier candidates


Johannesburg – ANC secretary Gwede Mantashe has said the premiers of eight provinces, including Gauteng, will be selected from the three submissions from each of the party’s provincial structures, Beeld reported on Tuesday.

“The ANC will in terms of a resolution taken earlier, designate a premier from the three candidates. We discussed the names yesterday [Sunday] and they cannot be changed,” he was quoted as saying.

“We accepted two important principles today [Monday]. First is that in each province if there is a man appointed premier, there has to be a female speaker.”

All legislatures must also have 50% of women in their executive councils.

Mantashe’s comments follow speculation that Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane would be re-appointed premier, despite not being recommended by the ANC in the province.

It was previously reported that ANC provincial secretary David Makhura, former education MEC Barbara Creecy and former finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe were the three names for the province.

However the Gauteng ANC said on Thursday that Nkomfe asked that his name be removed from the list.

Makhura, Creecy and former housing MEC Ntombi Mekgwe were the top three names on the province’s list.

The party is holding a briefing later on Tuesday where the premier candidates were expected to be announced.
– SAPA

Supra Mahumapelo to become new premier of North West?


By Obakeng Maje and Sabc
Mahikeng-ANC Chairperson in the North West, Supra Mahumapelo, says the decision on whether he will become the next premier lies entirely with President Jacob Zuma and the deployment committee of the party.

This as political commentators predict Mahumapelo’s rise to the top seat in the province.

The ANC’s alliance partners on the other hand, say the ruling party must start preparing for the 2016 local government elections immediately.
 
ANC reclaimed the North West by 67.4%. The province has been marred by violent service delivery protests over the past few months in areas such as Bloemhof and Khunotswane.

Mahumapelo says they will be attending to the challenges in those areas.  He says they will also address issues such as non-provision of water in other areas.

On the issue of premiership, Mahumapelo says he will lead the province only if asked to do so by the ruling party.

“Of course I hear people saying that Supra Mahumapelo is going to be premier of the North West – it’s not true. What happens in the African National Congress is that the Provincial Executive Committees throughout the country are going to be recommending three names to the National Executive Committee which will have discussions. Thereafter a decision will finally be taken and it will be announced by the President of the Republic and the president of the ANC comrade Jacob Zuma.”

The ANC has been celebrating its victory in the province’s districts. It started at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, followed by Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema and ended in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.

On the issue of premiership, Mahumapelo says he will lead the province only if asked to do so by the ruling party.

Mahumapelo has thanked everyone who assisted them in reclaiming the province, including their alliance partners.

“We want to thank our volunteers, our party agents our mobilisers on the ground. We also want to extend our gratitude to the people of the North West for showing confidence in the African National Congress – we got two thirds by the way.”

ANC NEC is hosting a two day meeting where amongst things being discussed, is who will lead the provinces as premiers.

President Jacob Zuma will announced names few days after being inaugurated as the president of the Republic.-TDN
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1000s line up for Gift of the Givers help at Rustenburg


Cape Town – Thousands of people arrived on Monday for food parcels given to starving mine worker families by the Gift of the Givers, the foundation said.

The foundation’s Imtiaz Sooliman told News24 that there had been up to 4 000 needy people who had queued in the hope of getting something to eat.

However, there was only enough for 500 families and the others had to turn back, hoping for another chance at being helped.

“They came in their thousands, hungry but dignified and disciplined. Marshalls controlled the crowds admirably.

“There was no rioting given this scenario, no complaints and no objection, but an overall acceptance that the most needy families stand in line first, even though they are fully conscious that further aid may not be forthcoming,” said Sooliman.

“Aid is sporadic, minimal and dependent on the generosity of well wishers sympathetic to the plight of the starving mine worker families,” he added.   

Sooliman said the need was huge and the situation desperate among the 80 000 families affected by the crippling 16 week strike at platinum mines.

He said many had sold most of their possessions and there was no means to pay school fees, to buy blankets, sanitary pads, baby milk powder or simple medication. 

“In all that frustration and desperation, our teams were never under any threat, but given full respect for coming and delivering.”

Sooliman said another 600 aid packages would be delivered at the Khuseleka Mine in Rustenburg on Tuesday, while 5 000 people would be given a hot meal.

Gift of the Givers spokesperson Emily Thomas says they are working in hand with the Marikana Community Support group to identify families mostly affected by the on-going strike.

The foundation says they will continue with initiatives to alleviate poverty in the area.

The mine workers remain resolute on their call for basic salary of R12 500.

News24

Malema warns new MPs


EFF leader Julius Malema has sent a stern warning to members to say those fighting to get positions in Parliament won’t get anywhere.

Speaking at Thapelo Lekeka’s funeral on Saturday at Mampudi Primary School in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, Malema said: “Some are literally crying to see themselves in Parliament.

“Those who are selected must be prepared to work for poor people on the ground. If they fail to do their duties they will be recalled and they must accept it. We don’t want to see our members taking the EFF to court.

“We want to see the poor people of South Africa living in proper houses and not shacks. We want their dignity restored.”
For more http://www.dailynews.mobi

Mining companies in court to oppose Amcu application


Platinum mining companies Amplats, Lonmin and Implats will on Tuesday oppose an urgent application by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) to stop them directly texting striking miners about wage increases.

Lonmin Chief Executive Ben Magara says up to 67% of Amcu members have indicated that they are willing to return to work, but fear for their lives.

Magara says, “We will strongly, as you may expect, oppose Amcu’s application. In our view, our actions to communicate with our own employees is in no way a contravention of the Labour Relations Act of our country, South Africa.”

Latest reports point to a hit list in Marikana of people who had to be killed
He says, ” We are not against any Recognition Agreements nor any employee’s constitutional rights, but outside of the mechanics of the law, we cannot understand Amcu’s objection to our communicating with our own members.”

Meanwhile, Amcu has distanced itself from the reported violent incidents and murders in the Platinum belt.

Four miners were killed in separate incidents a week ago as some employees prepared to go back to work at Amplats and Lonmin.

Latest reports point to a hit list in Marikana of people who had to be killed. According to the reports, the dead miners are on the list.

Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa says they condemn violence in the strongest terms.

Amcu members is demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Muvhango creator Ndlovu lambasts his critics


By Kgatliso Ramose
Johannesburg- Muvhango creator Duma Ndlovu took on his facebook page to set the matters straight following the damning story published on one of Sunday newspapers yesterday.

The newspaper reported that Muvhango actors are about to go on strike because the producers took the money from The SABC meant to them. The newspaper went as far as quoting The SABC Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago who according to the journalist confirmed that the production house was given the money for going five days a week and salary increase.

“No money has changed hands. The relationship with te broadcaster is at its peak, and the relationship with the actors has never been better” he wrote.

“We continue doing the work that we came to do and continue telling amazing stories. Keep watching the show and expect more fireworks. There will be no strike and no disgruntled actors,because we have established a tradition of talking among ourselves and resolving problems amicably” he further wrote.

Ndlovu said that the brand is enjoying massive approval regardless of the one journalist who has a history of trying to say things are not going well at Muvhango.

Ever since re-branding itself Muvhango has been talk of the town and managed to keep original to its tradition meet modern storyline. Last month the actors and the production team went to church to pray together and thank God for being with them during the trying time.-TDN
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Lonmin loses third of annual output


Johannesburg – Platinum producer Lonmin said on Monday that it had lost a third of its annual production due to the mining strike over wages that is entering its 17th week.
The country’s longest and costliest mining strike had turned violent earlier this month, with four miners killed as more employees try to report for work at the world’s top platinum producers.
Lonmin had anticipated a mass return of its employees to work last week, but striking members of the main Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) prevented other workers from returning to the mines.

Chief executive Ben Magara said: “The first try for us remains a negotiated settlement with Amcu, our majority union.

“The strike has now entered its 17th week and we have now lost a third of our production for the whole year.”

Precious metal

“We are committed to get a negotiated settlement, but the situation is becoming sufficiently desperate that we have to look at other options. If needs be, to make it possible for all those employees wishing to do so, to return to work, then we’ll examine all our legal options in this regard.”

Lonmin said on Thursday that it might go to court in a bid to stop the strike.
The strike has hit about 40% of global production of the precious metal used for emissions-capping catalytic converters in vehicles.
A moderate reaction of platinum prices to the supply disruption, though, indicates demand for the precious metal is weaker than many had expected.
Magara said he was surprised to see the platinum price had not moved much.
Reuters

Lonmin fires 235 workers


Johannesburg – Lonmin says it has dismissed 235 essential services workers.

Spokesperson Happy Nkhoma said on Monday: “These are employees who have been absent since 23 January, so the recent intimidation does not explain their absence.

“A court order to this effect was obtained on 27 February, requiring all essential workers to return to work by 12 May.”
Under a recognition agreement signed with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), employees engaged in essential services may not participate in any strike.
Nkhoma said the company was not aware of a hit list.

Intention

City Press reported on Sunday that there was a hit list containing names of Lonmin staff who had returned to work and their union affiliation.
It was apparently obtained from staff who responded to SMSes the company sent to workers in a bid to end the platinum mining strike.
“We are unaware of such a list. We have a database of employees who have indicated their intention to accept [our wage offer], which is kept highly confidential,” Nkhoma said.
Amcu members at Lonmin, Impala, and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on 23 January demanding a basic salary of R12 500 per month.
They have rejected the companies’ offer that would see a minimum cash remuneration of R12 500 by July 2017.
The remuneration includes living-out and holiday leave allowances, but excludes medical and retirement benefits and any bonuses.

SAPA

Alleged killer beaten to death after triple murder


Durban – A triple murder and the vigilante killing of one of the alleged murderers was condemned by KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety MEC Willies Mchunu on Monday.
Genephi Mhlongo, 66, Angel Mthimkhulu, 26, and Chebsile Ngema were killed in their homestead in Ndundulu, near Melmoth, on Saturday.

Melmoth police spokesperson Tienkie van Vuuren said the three women were asleep in a room at the Mhlongo homestead when several men entered through an open window.

They demanded money from the women, who were sellers of traditional Zulu beer.

When the older woman refused, she and the others were stabbed.

Mhlongo died on the scene.

The other two were taken to hospital, where they died later.

Police were called to the same area on Sunday following reports of a fight. They found locals beating two men with fists, sticks, and stones, and rescued them.

Mchunu’s spokesperson Sipho Khumalo said the two were admitted to hospital.

The body of a third man, identified by Van Vuuren as Sphamandla Zungu, 30, was found in a road.

It appeared he had been beaten to death with sticks and stones.

Mchunu said: “Robbing and murdering of the elderly people, who should be the most valued members of our communities, is totally abhorrent and it represents the lowest decline of morals in our communities.”

He said he understood the community’s anger.

“[But] it is also totally against the law for them to take the law into their hands. In fact, doing so constitutes yet another criminal act.”

Mchunu said police and officials from his department were in the area in a bid to restore calm.

It was not clear whether the two men would be charged with the women’s murders.

SAPA

Cope apologises for sorry elections performance


A week after their President Mosiuoa Lekota was made to eat his hat, the Congress of the People (Cope), held its first Congress National Committee (CNC) meeting.

The meeting was held to assess its performance during the elections and the state of the party going forward.
For more http://www.timelive.co.za